Talbotton in Talbot County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Elizabeth Evelyn Wright
1872-1906
Photographed By Dave W, September 30, 2022
1. Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Marker
Pioneering educator Elizabeth Evelyn Wright was born in Talbotton, Georgia, and attended school here at St. Phillips African Methodist Episcopal Church, where many local African-American children received their education. Under the tutelage of President Booker T. Washington and his wife, Olivia, Wright graduated from Alabama's Tuskegee Institute in 1894 and moved to South Carolina to start a school inspired by Washington's model of industrial education for African Americans. Despite the support of wealthy and influential friends from across the country, Wright faced suspicion, racism, and multiple arson attacks in her efforts to found the school. In 1897 she successfully established the Denmark Industrial School, later named Voorhees Industrial School, in South Carolina. Wright died in 1906 and is buried on the campus, which became Voorhees College in 1962 when the school received accreditation.
Erected 2016 by Georgia Historical Society, Vorhees College, Greater Saint Phillip Methodist Church, and the City of Talbotton. (Marker Number 130-1.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.
Location. 32° 40.555′ N, 84° 32.473′ W. Marker
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Session Supreme Court of Georgia (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Zion Episcopal Church (about 500 feet away); William Bartram Trail (about 600 feet away); Straus Home Site (about 600 feet away); Talbot County (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Straus Home Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Straus Home Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); Talbotton United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Talbotton.
Photographed By Dave W, September 30, 2022
2. Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 174 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 30, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
